Tough conference tests later this week

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

After losses to both Windsor/Stew-Stras and Maroa-Forsyth last week, the Okaw Valley softball team rebounded with two strong performances to improve to 3-2 on the year.

First taking on Argenta last Wednesday, the Lady Timberwolves blew open a close game in the bottom of the fifth with four runs to help solidify their 8-5 win.     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.

It was a really strong effort in all three phases of the game,” said head coach Dave Benning. “Defensively we had two errors, but both were in the first three innings and neither error cost us any runs. We really played solid after the third inning including throwing out two runners at the plate.”

Amanda McClain went the distance for OV, striking out nine and walking two with only eight earned hits.

At the plate, Wednesday’s game was OV’s best to date with 10 hits as six of the nine batters earned base hits.

“The majority of the order put the ball in play,” said Benning. “We were hitting well.”

McClain went 2-4 with two single RBIs. Amy Orris also went 2-3 with a double and single and Ashley Sutton went 3-4, all singles including a key insurance RBI with two outs in the bottom of the sixth, which took OV’s two-run lead to three.

OV managed to carry the momentum to Edinburg Saturday, winning 13-2.

Abigail Weybright earned her first winning start on the year going all five innings with four strikeouts, three walks, and three earned hits.

“Defensively, again, we were solid, this time with no errors,” explained Benning.

The offense was as equally strong, yet again boasting six of nine batters putting the ball in play for 10 hits on the day.

Orris led her team, going 4-4 with three doubles for six RBIs. Shelby Dash was 2-3 including two infield stolen bases. Chloe Weybright was 2-3 with a double and RBI.

“We were able to play small ball,” said Benning. “We hit the ball with authority and also put together bunts and opened up our slapping game…just a lot of good things on Saturday.”

OV will see their first conference opponents later this week including Cerro Gordo Wednesday followed by powerhouse and newly formed co-op Villa Grove/Heritage.

“I am pleased with the pre-conference season so far,” said Benning. “We did have a period of time against Maroa and Stew-Stras where we did not play well in any of the phases of the game, but we’re starting to play our better softball just before conference. I hope to see that continuation of momentum. We talked after Saturday’s win and explained how we need to build off our recent play, making sure to continue to work as a group defensively…we’re much better than earlier in the year. I’m starting to see good strides in every aspect of the game.”

Friday’s contest is in Bethany and will be a double-header against Villa Grove/Heritage as a result of consolidating the April 25 game with the April 4 matchup.